Grinding Gurus & Flying Angels
The Evolution Revolution Concert for the Vivid Light Festival was a unique show which combined all the members (current & former) of the Hoodoo Gurus with a psychedelic light display in The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. It was an unusual gig as their was no alcohol served after 9.30 pm and the toilets were a kilometre away so we chose to get a good position near the stage, and abstain from drinking. We burst through the crowd in single file as the band walked on stage, much to the displeasure of the people who had waited over 40 minutes to secure their position. The fact we had 2 bald guys and one with a black ponytail all over 6ft in black leather jackets may have been intimidating. ( in a Romper Stomper kinda way:-)) In the live gig world it is ‘dog eat dog’ and you only get one shot at a concert position, especially in front of Brad Shepherd on guitar when Tess Chaplin is wanting to throw herself at him.
The first 6 songs were performed by Le Hoodoo Gurus which had 3 guitars, no bass and a drummer. I use the word drummer loosely as James Baker’s skills on the skins are well behind him. It was almost sad to watch a really great drummer in his day, struggle to hold time and be coached by Dave Faulkner on how fast or slow to play. The fact he looked like a stunned pre- historic Furby doll caught in the headlights was really off putting, and may be due to too many years of the rock’n’roll lifestyle.
Dave Faulkner battled hard to keep the Le Hoodoo Gurus together on stage as they struggled to start and finish songs together – let alone handle everything in between. The band members were loving the moment and guitarist Rodney Radalj was bursting to do the rockstar thing with his White Falcon Gretsch Guitar dressed in a white suit, paisley cravat and yellow lens glasses. Kingsley Rendall was more reserved and conservative with cameos from Brad Shepherd on harmonica. I couldn’t wait for these guys to finish as they had to re-start several songs, and were downright awful. Some of my fave songs such as ‘Be My Guru’ were butchered.
Finally a line-up change arrived in the form of Clyde Bramley on bass with Mark Kingsmill on drums and Brad Shepherd on lead guitar. The change of rhythm section was instantly noticeable as they pumped out the hits from the first 3 Gurus albums. Bramley was very reserved in his style, and was never a showman. Rick Grossman then took over the bass playing and brought a punchier element to the gig. Having said that we still had song restarts, wrong keys and out of tune guitars. Highlights were ‘Come Anytime, 1000 Miles Away, What’s My Scene and The Right Time. Was great to hear ‘ Axegrinder’ reintroduced to the set list as well. The polish of the existing lineup created a big divide between the old and new bands. Whilst not their finest gig, was still cool to be part of their history and get our heads on the upcoming DVD.
The crowd was old and agitated with many grumpy confrontations breaking out near the stage. The Gurus are almost at the point where they have to make special access for walking frames and wheelchairs if they keep touring. The ‘gloved one’ Mark Kingsmill on drums was pounding the skins and pulled off a neat little drum solo before Axe Grinder. He was clearly enjoying the moment knowing this will be the very last time he will be providing the jungle drums for The Gurus. I was glad to witness it and almost a closing of the chapter for me. Mark was a hero of mine and someone I tried to play like….hard and powerful ….creating a solid bottom end.
It was weird to be sober after a gig and be home before midnight. It was great to catch the plane the next day feeling really fresh. When I walked on the plane I recognised some guys in row 1. It was the band ‘The Angels’ who have been playing for over 40 years and are Australian Rock Royalty. I was totally intrigued by them and watched the Brewster Boys interact with another person on the plane and said to the person ” Don’t I know you from Victor Harbor?”. Straight away I knew they were nice guys and very approachable.
I was 20 rows behind them and I wanted to say ” G’day” and congratulate them on their longevity in the industry. It wasn’t long before I got my shot. John Brewster went past me on the way to the toilet. I waited till he came back out and stopped him at my seat by saying ” The Angels, right?” ( knowing damn well who he was) . He said ‘ yeah that’s right”. I said ” I had to stop you and say g’day as The Angels were the first live band I ever saw. John asked me which gig it was, and I explained it was at Apollo Stadium in the 80’s with Rose Tattoo and inspired me to join a band and play drums ever since. He said ” that’s great…I’m John Brewster” and shook my hand and went back to his seat and awaiting headphones.
So what did I learn with this brush with fame? The Angels are nice guys, and John Brewster has soft hands and washes them after going to the toilet! There’s a clean ‘rock’n’roll ‘story for you punters..
